Most Expensive Hotel Rooms in the World Published: November 11, 2006 PrintEmail
Travel is one of life’s wonderful gifts. Taking us away from our daily grind and routine, it usually involves some sightseeing, meeting new people, mingling with the locals, and trying new food. Every once in a while, though, we come across a hotel room that is so fabulous and unique that it overshadows the rest of the journey.
They are so exquisite and distinctive, in fact, that you can discard any plans you had for sightseeing or haggling at the market. Now all you have to do is check in, put your feet up and let your butler do the rest.
Number 10 Penthouse Suite at Cape Grace Cape Town, South Africa
Set on its own private quay on Cape Town’s waterfront, Cape Grace is in a class of its own. The hotel's services and lavish facilities have won countless awards, including Conde Nast Traveler's title of Best Hotel in Africa and the Middle East in 2005. The Penthouse Suite has a prime view of the yacht marina, comes complete with personally selected books and includes personalized meal planning with the executive chef. Enjoy the complimentary port and sherry every evening in the library or a spa treatment inspired by local African traditions.
Number 9 The Dalem Jiwo Suite at Amanjiwo Borobudur, Indonesia
Amanjiwo, which means “peaceful soul,” is located on the picturesque island of Java, surrounded by the Indian Ocean to the south and the Java Sea to the north. The hotel overlooks the largest Buddhist sanctuary in the world, which clearly inspired the design of Amanjiwo. Your personal sanctuary, the Dalem Jiwo Suite, is set in a discreet compound complete with every imaginable luxury, including your own private entrance, swimming pool and terrace. Relax in the privacy of your suite, hike up a nearby volcano or visit one of the small villages nearby.
Number 8 Kohinoor Villa at Oberoi Rajvilas Jaipur, India
Securing your private villa at the Oberoi Rajvilas will grant you access to the hotel’s 32 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens in Jaipur, India. Butler services are naturally part of the amenities provided at this hotel, which was rated the Best Luxury Hotel in India by Travel + Leisure in 2005. Your Indian-inspired villa comes complete with two bedrooms, a private dining room and a pool. Try the villa’s personalized spa services, which combine both Western and Eastern techniques.
Number 7 Penthouse Suite at Sandy Lane St. James, Barbados
Movie stars and royalty frequently vacation at Sandy Lane, as it offers a unique balance of luxury and privacy. The massive penthouse suite, located amidst the resort’s gardens, measures 3,971 square feet. While the suite is fully equipped with any electronic device you could ever dream of, you might prefer to play a round of golf on one of Sandy Lane’s three courses. If you find yourself so inclined, you may also want to try one of the numerous water sports or you can simply relax on the beach while the resort staff caters to your every desire.
Number 6 Mansion Presidential Suite at the Four Seasons Buenos Aires Buenos Aires, Argentina
The Four Seasons Buenos Aires is located in the very exclusive district of Recoleta. With opulent shopping, dining and entertainment, this is the area in Buenos Aires where people go to see and be seen. The Mansion Presidential Suite is styled in French classical decor, and it has a private dining room, service entrance and furnished balcony. You can also indulge in an in-room spa treatment based on natural products inspired from the Inca civilization.
Number 5 Royal Suite at the Burj Al Arab Dubai, UAE
Designed to resemble a sail catching the wind, the Burj Al Arab is the world’s tallest hotel -- it even exceeds the height of the Eiffel Tower. The Royal Suite will nicely accommodate your tastes and needs, as it includes a private elevator, a private cinema, high-end electronic equipment, and some very coveted Hermes bath and body products. Take a dip at the water park next door, take in a view of the hotel by night or get chauffeured around Dubai in the hotel’s exclusive Rolls-Royce.
Number 4 Premier Suite at The Hastings House Country Estate Gulf Islands, Canada
The staff at The Hastings House descibes it as “rustic elegance,” but this hotel has more than just rural charm. Located in the Gulf Islands between Vancouver and Victoria, B.C., The Hastings House is set on a 22-acre country estate. Since it only has 18 rooms, the staff of 45 can cater to the guests' every need. The Hastings House grows its own flowers for the rooms, and the staff leaves a hamper filled with baked treats on your doorstep every morning. It has certainly made a name for itself -- it was rated by Conde Nast Traveler as one of Canada’s top three hotels.
Number 3 Presidential Suite at the Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, Germany
You might recognize pictures of the Adlon Kempinski from the news, as it was there that Michael Jackson infamously dangled his baby out the window. The Presidential Suite is located in the security wing and is considered the safest suite in Germany. Designed to accommodate a large entourage, the suite comes complete with a private fitness room, a safe room and limousine service. Some of Adlon’s more particular facilities and services include the ability to convert your shower into an aromatic Turkish steam bath, the availability of a complimentary mobile phone, and if you leave your shoes outside your door, you’ll find them polished and ready the next morning.
Number 2 Presidential Suite at the Hotel de Crillon Paris, France
Located at the famous Place de la Concorde, the Hotel de Crillon is the Duke of Aumont's former home. The hotel recently underwent a $25 million renovation and now all bathrooms are at least 10 square meters. The hotel also brought in Persian carpets and material from some of the top houses, such as Frey, Prelle and Rubelli. When you arrive at the Crillon, the team at guest relations will request your itinerary while in Paris and will arrange the details. They can do everything from scheduling private viewings of art collections to meeting the store managers of Cartier, Dior and Lanvin.
Number 1 Three-Bedroom Presidential Suite at Las Ventanas Al Paraiso Baja Peninsula, Mexico
Even Mexicans on the mainland consider the Baja Peninsula to be a far-off, exotic destination. Despite its increased popularity with tourists, it still boasts an untouched coastline. This waterfront resort on the Peninsula offers its guests some deluxe treats, such as poolside Evian squirt bottles, frozen fruit and ice towels. The three-bedroom Presidential Suite comes with its own pool and a butler who is devoted to your individual needs. Also included in the suite are a telescope, a DVD player and a stereo.